The 2026 Berkeley Hills Road Race marks a historic milestone. Our 70th edition. Since 1957, BHRR has been a proving ground for legends, a launchpad for future stars, and a celebration of community racing at its finest.

2025 Berkeley Hills Road Race 2024 Berkeley Omnium 2023 Berkeley Omnium
The 2025 Berkeley Hills Road Race is a huge success thanks to our sponsors.

We’re starting the push now for the 2026 Berkeley Omnium to bring in new sponsors to grow the impact of bicycle races and continue supporting youth cycling in the Bay Area. If you or your company want to be part of something meaningful, helping develop the next generation of riders, let’s talk.

KQED News Spot on Berkeley Hills Road Race 2019

This video shows you a full pre-ride of the Berkeley Hills Road Race course (also known as "the Bears") narrated by Nate English, former winner of the race. This includes some general tips and thoughts on how to race the race. Enjoy!

In this video Brendan try to point out some critical moments in the race, places where I could have done better, and the highlights of the race.

70th Berkeley Hills Road Race
Saturday, April 18, 2026

course

https://www.strava.com/routes/2927070857541963972

The longest continuously-run road race in America returns for yet another year around the classic 3 bears loop in Orinda, CA.

The Berkeley Hills Road Race began in 1957, making it the oldest continuously running bicycle road race in the United States. It was initiated by Peter Rich, a prominent figure in American cycling who also founded Velo Club Berkeley and promoted the original Tour of California in 1971. In January 1979, Velo Club Berkeley merged with the Berkeley Wheelmen to form the Berkeley Bicycle Club (BBC), which has since taken over the organization of the BHRR.

Berkeley Streets Criterium
Sunday, April 19, 20256

Course

https://www.strava.com/routes/3190869617122366078

Join us this year for an exhilarating race experience, complete with live music and an announcer at the event.

Registration Location: Hearst Avenue at McGee
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8tnfZMMCJYxPRyQE9

The Berkeley Streets Criterium has a new course!
Join us this year for an exhilarating race experience,
complete with live music and an announcer at the Berkeley Streets Criterium.

Berkeley Hills Road Race Course Rules

DO NOT LINGER IN THE FINISH AREA.
Bring your own water; no running water on course
Feed zone near the bottom of Papa Bear has neutral water support. Personal support is permitted here, and we will also have neutral bottle handouts while supplies last.
NO warming up on the course.
No wheel support or other unauthorized support vehicles are allowed ANYWHERE on the course. Unauthorized follow vehicles will result in rider/team DQ
No road closure. Watch for traffic and road hazards. Use caution

Berkeley Hills Road Race Staging

Racers will stage at the Orinda BART parking lot, like last year. The times mentioned above are staging times, and racers will conduct a neutral start in three waves from the Orinda BART to the starting line under the supervision of a car and a USAC official. Races will then start (separately) from the start line.

The staging area takes place on the northeast side of the Orinda BART parking lot, near the registration table (coordinates: 37.8804152,-122.1832872). Show up at your designated time, ready to race.

Food: Rincon del Cielo Taqueria will be on-site at the registration area to sell burritos, tacos, and drinks at 9:00 a.m.

USAC License Required. USAC 1-Day Beginner’s license: $10/day, only for Open Novice, Women, Juniors, or Youth. Can be purchased online at www.usacycling.org/events/?state=CA , select the appropriate event, and then click on Purchase One-Day License. Bring receipt to the race. USAC 1-Day Experienced license: $35/day, available to all former USAC Cat 1-4 racers. Must be purchased online, prior to the event.

Juniors. We are excited to offer separate junior races this year at the Berkeley Omnium.

Results will be posted at https://www.ontheday.net/

All races are held rain or shine; all sales final no refunds.

Berkeley Streets Criterium location and directions

REGISTRATION: Ohlone Park - Google and Apple Maps both direct you to the correct intersection, between Hearst Ave and McGee Ave. Registration will be on McGee Ave on the inside of the racecourse.

PARKING: Carpooling strongly advised. Nearby street parking is free on Sunday but extremely limited, do not count on it. Plan your parking before you arrive. Slightly further away, parking lots are available at North Berkeley BART, but do not count on these being free or available.

TENTS: If your team would like to have a tent / warm up area, get in touch. We have limited availability.

Berkeley Streets Criterium Course Rules

Water on site is limited, bring your own water.
Free lap applies, bring wheels. ANSI/Snell helmets are required for all riders.
Please obey all traffic laws, including stop signs, red lights, and yielding to pedestrians, while on city streets. This is vital to our partnership with the city, and failure to do so may jeopardize the future of the event.

In Support of Local High School Mountain Bikers

The Berkeley Omnium is also a fundraiser for the local NICA teams at Berkeley High School, El Cerrito High School, Albany High School and and Oakland Composite. A portion of each entry fee goes DIRECTLY to the NICA teams and helps make cycling accessible for young student-athletes. Last year’s event raised $4,000 for the teams.